Michael Raymond Brady

On the morning of May 16, 2024, our loving Dad and devoted Husband, Michael Raymond Brady, passed away at his home in Pensacola, Florida at the age of 77 years old. Michael was born in Aurora, Illinois to James Oliver Brady Sr. and Jeanne Barbara Muench Brady. Growing up in a military family, he lived in various countries before settling in Pensacola.

Michael graduated from Talawanda High School in Oxford, Ohio and attended Pensacola Junior College. He worked as a lifeguard at Pensacola Beach, Florida where he met his wife of 56 years, Ramona McManaman Brady. Michael went on to serve his country as a member of the United States Army where he attained the rank of Captain. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and a helicopter pilot for the Outlaws 175th Assault Helicopter Company. He was a Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal recipient. Michael was also a flight instructor for the U.S. Army, OCS, U.S. Army Flight School. After completing his service in the Army, he worked as helicopter pilot for Petroleum Helicopters Inc. (PHI) until he retired from PHI after 32.5 years with the company. Michael had over 5,000 hours of accident and violation free flight hours during that time. Michael was an excellent cook, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, music, and coaching little league baseball. He was very creative and an engineer at heart. In his later years, he enjoyed growing and tending plumerias and blood orange trees. He was also an avid bird watcher and loved watching blue birds in his backyard.

Michael was a believer and Christ follower, and we have comfort in knowing he is spending eternity in Heaven and we will see him again.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents: James Oliver Brady Sr. and Jeanne Barbara Muench Brady. Sister: Ellen Brady Deck (Sterling). Survivors include his spouse of 56 years, Ramona McManaman Brady; brother, James Oliver Brady Jr. and sister, Margaret Brady Gunter (Steve). Michael had five children: John Brady (Amy), Jennifer Belanger (Joe), Robert Brady (Theresa), Daniel Brady (Aimee) and Katherine Brady (Rodney). He also had thirteen grandchildren: Austin (Laura), Justin, Hope, Katie Joy, Joshua, Mariah, Madison, Collin, Lance, Sean, Brady, Jaykob, Aurora. One great-grandchild: Declan James (Austin/John). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The celebration of his life will be held on June 27th, 2024 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, with visitation services from 11:00am to 1:00pm and internment at Barrancas National Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Big Oak Ranch or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.